By Colleen Barilae – EMTV News, Lae
The PNG Defence Force Engineering Battalion at Lae’s Igam Barracks has opened reconstructed buildings, which have been part of a a maintenance project since 2013.
Today, it also announced a 5-year infrastructure development plan that’s aimed at extending health services to nearby communities.
Medical Officer, Dr. Thomas Vinit, says the medical Centre still requires other lab and x-ray facilities.
This medical Centre serves the people within Igam Barracks in Lae, and surrounding communities.
It’s been in operation for over 50 years now and facilities and equipment were in desperate need of repair.
Today engineering battalion officers as well as their families celebrated the opening of a refurbished medical centre.
For many years, women who were pregnant had to be referred to bigger hospitals in town because of limited maternal health capacity available at this clinic.
The redevelopment also includes a dental unit.
Huon Gulf district and Morobe provincial government supported the reconstruction with assistance from the Australian Defence Force.
It has indicated a funding struggle within the PNGDF.
